Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Buy A Carport?

Our team of experts at Norcal Carports has put together a list of frequently asked questions about steel carports and buildings.

Design Your Carport

Find your width, length, height (12′ x 20′ x 6′). Decide if you are getting permits or not. Free generic plans are included. Advanced plans and calculations are an additional charge. Choose your color from our color chart.

Order Your Carport

Sign order form using Docusign. Pay deposit using our secure online checkout. 2-4 weeks average time for an installation. Pay remaining balance the day of installation with check or money order. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% surcharge.

Enjoy Your Carport

Your carport is built to last a long time. 12 gauge carports have a 20-year rust-through warranty on the frame. All carports have a 1 year-workmanship warranty. Carports with anchors have a 90-mph wind-rate warranty.

Carport Components

Basic carports include the roof and frame. Customers can add sides and ends, gable ends, a-frame or standard roofs, and additional support for heavy snow loads.

Garage Components

Carport Sizing Guide

Color Chart

Choose from 13 colors for your carport or metal building. Colors are free of charge.

Our team of experts at Norcal Carports has put together a list of frequently asked questions about the advantages of steel carports and buildings.

Know the specifications of the installation area so the buildings fit perfectly.
Check with your local building code enforcer to see whether you need a special permit before you build. Purchase from a dealer that has the expertise needed to know what you will need before you hit the buy button.
Consider if you will need additional add-ons like mobile home anchors or trusses to secure your building properly.
Vertical style roofs offer the best protection from weather and snow.

Do I have to pour concrete? If so can you do the concrete?

Installing concrete is not mandatory but recommended.
It is recommended you use an exact concrete for enclosed base to ensure maximum stability and to prevent leaks. L-brackets are recommended to tighten the bottom of the frame to the foundation and reduce gaps.
Our manufacturer can install it on dirt and asphalt using mobile-home anchors or asphalt anchors.
However; the location of installation MUST be level upon arrival otherwise our installers will not install your unit.
The manufacturer is not responsible for “day-loss work”.
In addition, a $350.00 restocking fee will be added to your bill for a return trip.
We do not do any concrete foundation work but can recommend a concrete installer you can request an estimate from.

Can you refund the deposit if I change my mind?

At the time of placing an order, please note that custom orders are not eligible for a refund.
However, if you have ordered a standard size item and would like cancel your order, you may do so within the initial 7-day period from the date of your deposit payment. It is important to understand that any custom orders are personalized to your specific requirements, and thus cannot be resold to other customers.
We encourage our customers to fully plan out their build with Norcal Carports. Once you have placed your order and paid the deposit, the manufacturing begins on your structure. The deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your order after it is scheduled to be installed but you will not have to pay the remaining balance.

How much is a carport installed?

All carport estimates include delivery and installation.
The final price also includes local taxes and if applicable, advanced plans and calculations for permits.
Generic plans are included for standard carports and garages.
Please contact us for more information.

Are these cheap carports or do they use strong metal or steel?

Every carport and metal building manufacturer we work with offer strong steel poles for leg height, walls, and roof, galvanized steel carport covers for cars and RV’s.
The strongest frame is 12-gauge (2 1//4″ x 2 1/4″) and is backed by a 20 year rust-through warranty and 100-mph wind rate warranty.
We recommend choosing the vertical A-frame for the strongest reinforcement and water displacement.

Do I need mobile home anchors if I am installing my carport on dirt?

If your base foundation is compacted or loose dirt, you will need mobile home anchors to securely fasten it to the ground. If you decline anchors, you will not qualify for the wind-rate warranty.
The auger anchors will ensure a certified steel carport or building.
These will be driven into the dirt and fastened tightly to the frame.
We recommend using an exact concrete base or concrete strips for any type of carport or building design.

Do I need to have anything completed before installing a metal building or RV carport on my property?

Yes. When we provide you with a custom quote, we will ask you if you have concrete, gravel, or dirt flooring and if it’s level.
You will need to complete this before the building can be properly installed.
Please contact us before ordering if you have questions or concerns.
Check if you need permits from your city or county.

Do you need a permit/permission/license to build a carport?

Depending on your municipality and the size of your metal structure, you may be required to obtain a building permit from your county.
Advanced plans and calculations are available for an additional cost.
The certified engineer will contact your local building code office and create plans that will be accepted by the agency.
Please contact us if you have questions about how to obtain these permits.

Does the ground need to be level before you can install the metal building?

Yes, otherwise the unit will be installed on land “AS IS” and Norcal Carports or our manufacturer is not responsible for any future damage or shifting of the carport due to an unstable foundation.
Our installers will NOT do any groundwork to the land so any groundwork needed must be done before the date of installation.
If the land isn’t leveled it will be up to you, the customer, to fill in any gaps left in the bottom of the base rail. In most cases, however; installers will not install your unit and a $350.00 restocking fee/return fee will be added to your order if we have to return once the site is level.

Does the price of a metal carport include delivery and installation?

Every metal building order comes with free delivery and installation.
The manufacturer’s installation team will install it on your property on the scheduled date
The total and final price is dependent on the manufacturer and dealer contract signed and deposit paid.
Plans and calculations are not included in the price unless stated otherwise.
Plans range from $1,200 to $4,000.

How do I pay for a metal carport or metal building?

When you place an order for a steel carport or metal building, a 12%-15% deposit is required to begin manufacturing.
The day your structure is installed, the remaining balance is due.
You can pay with either cash, money order, or check.

How large can steel garage roll-up doors be built?

14′ x 14′ is the largest standard roll up door. If you need a custom built garage door, please contact us for more information.
Size range from 6′ x 6′ to 14′ x 14′.

How many varieties of colors do you have to customize?

You can choose from 13 different colors to make endless variations of your metal buildings.
Choose from barn red, black, burgundy, clay, earth brown, evergreen, pebble beige, pewter gray, quaker grey, rawhide, sandstone, slate blue, and white.

Is there a roof-leak warranty on the roofs?

Vertical roofs over 30′ has a leak warranty. Anything over 30′ long will not have any roof leak warranty in the classical and box-eve styles. These roofs have a 30-pound ground snow load and displace water and debris to the sides.
We suggest ordering the vertical-style roofs to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible.

What are the prices and sizes of metal carports?

The basic unit 12 x 20 x 6 starts at $2,165
Depending on your requirements, you can add additional components to customize the dimensions
Wide-Spans start at $10,475 not including local taxes or permits.

What are your acceptable payment methods for the deposit and final purchase?

Checks, cash, and money orders.
Credit cards are subject to a processing fee charge.
Once you get our official quote, you will be required to submit a deposit on every building you order.
Please contact us if you need to explore financing options.

What carport size will I need for my car/truck/RV?

Picking an appropriate size carport, garage, warehouse, sheds, or barn, depends on the size of your vehicle and how much clearance you require around the sides and top. If you need it 12 feet tall in the middle you need 10′ sides to compensate for the 3/12 pitch. 12′ wide to 24′ is usually wide enough for 1-2 trucks or vehicles. Please refer to our carport sizing guide at the top of this page.

What do I need to do to get the order started?

Once you get an official quote from our sales team, and once we get the required 15% down payment, we will need your signature on the contract, the final choices such as color selection for the unit, the installation address, the best phone number(s) to contact you, and the installation dates.
The order will be processed and a scheduler will contact you in 4-6 weeks to schedule your install.

What is the difference between a carport and a garage?

A carport acts as an outdoor cover that will generally will have open sides and ends. It will be used primarily to house one or two vehicles. It’s protected on the top from falling branches and other debris. A garage will have enclosed sides and ends and be more secure. It can be insulated, have windows, walk-in doors, roll-up garage doors, and more.

What is the maximum height that a steel carport can be?

The maximum height can go up to 20′ height but we will need to ensure you have the proper reinforcements and permits.
The standard sizes are 6′ to 12′ in height. 13′ and higher will require double legs and extra bracing.
The height cannot be greater than the width of the carport.

How much does a steel carport cost?

The base cost of a carport starts at $2,195. This is a standard 12 x 20 x 6 carport with a classical style roof. the price will increase when you add sides, ends, gables, or need permits. You may need a concrete foundation if your county requires it or you are purchasing a large structure.

What is galvanized steel?

Galvanized steel is a type of steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. The galvanization process involves dipping the steel into a molten bath of zinc, which creates a protective layer on the surface of the steel.
The zinc coating provides a barrier against moisture and other elements that can cause rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel is often used in outdoor applications where it will be exposed to the elements, such as fencing, roofing, and outdoor furniture.

How far does my carport need to be from my neighbors fence?

We recommend at least 5 ft from your neighbor’s fence and 3 ft. away from your house.
You may need to be at least 20 ft. away from your front sidewalk
If you are getting permits, please contact your local building department and ensure your carport or garage can be installed without issues.

Do lean-to’s attach to the house?

We do not attach single slope lean-to’s or carports to existing houses.
Your lean-to should be shorter than the eave of your house.
The lean-to can be pushed against your structure if allowed.

Is a carport considered a permanent structure?

Depending on your county the answer is most likely, yes. But this depends on your county and their building code.